Author: Pastor Doug

My apologies for being out of touch. I’ve had a head/chest cold and took some rest. Much improved now.

Our scripture today is Mark 5:19 (ESV).

And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”

There are some people Jesus heals that are called to follow Him (like blind Bartimaeus we will read about later in Mark 10:46-52). However, in today’s story Jesus heals a demon possessed man who asks to follow Him, but Jesus gives him other instructions. Jesus is sowing seeds in places that Paul and other missionaries will visit. It is the source of things like the account in Luke 9:49 of someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name who “does not follow with us”. The disciples didn’t see that they were not the only “Jesus community” in the world. These are the fruits of telling others how much the Lord has done for you.

Gracious God, You sent Your Son that we might be saved from our sin. Help us to share Your love with all our brothers and sisters, telling them of Christ’s saving power. Amen.

Our scripture today is Mark 4:31-32 (ESV).

It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.

Jesus gives us an analogy for God’s kingdom several times in scripture. Our efforts in His name, which may seem small to begin with, can have a great and lasting impact. Like the tiny mustard seed that grows large enough to provide a home for the birds, our outreach can provide physical comfort and spiritual guidance for all God’s children in need. Jesus encourages us to continue our evangelism even when we can’t see the larger picture or the results.

Gracious God, You have called us to responsibility for all Your gifts. Help us to see one another as gifts as well, caring for everyone with Your love. Amen.

Our scripture today is Mark 4:2-3 (ESV).

And he was teaching them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow.”

Jesus teaches the people in parables, short stories using familiar characters, objects and situations. These are intended to make them think and discuss and ask questions. See how Jesus frames this story about how seeds are sown and grown with “Listen” and “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:9). Jesus knows we need to be led to these ideas slowly so we fully comprehend what they mean for us and the spreading of God’s kingdom. Those not really listening only hear stories about everyday things, those who are earnestly seeking God hear beautiful guidance to follow Jesus and share the Good News.

Loving Lord, You sent Your Son to teach us what is important, here and in eternity. Help us to listen very carefully, and go to share Your word with the world. Amen.

Our scripture today is Mark 2:17 (ESV).

And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Jesus spoke plainly about us and sin. Sin is a sickness we suffer and Jesus is the cure. Some were surprised Jesus didn’t cater to “the good guys” as other teachers had, often trying to “get in” with those in power. No, He tells us very distinctly that He came to save sinners. If you are not lost, Jesus doesn’t need to seek you! You should already be following Him.

Gracious God, You came as one of us to love and save and free us. Bless us to go to all Your children with the joy of salvation. Amen.

Our scripture today is Mark 1:10-11 (ESV).

And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

Remember yesterday we spoke of Mark’s Gospel being fast-paced? Here we are ten verses in and John the Baptist has prepared the way for Jesus and He is being baptized! Mark wants us to see how quickly the kingdom of God can move when we are inspired by the Spirit. Jesus tells us later that He will send “another Comforter” to be with us (John 14:16), the same Spirit that descended on Him at His baptism. Jesus wants us to know we are never alone.

Gracious God, You sent Your Son to save us from our sin, and Your Spirit to guide us as we go in Your name. Bless us to be eager disciples, carrying Your love everywhere. Amen.

Our scripture today is Mark 1:1 (ESV).

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

The Gospel of Mark is known for being brief and to the point. He opens with a firm declarative statement – Jesus is the Son of God. Most scholars agree that Mark is the oldest Gospel, dating it between 65 – 75 AD, ten to twenty years before the other Gospels. Realize these are all “guestimates” based on other references. Why does this matter? It isn’t as important as anything Jesus taught us, but knowing a little background about when it was written can help us better understand the way people would have seen it, and then better apply the lessons to our lives. Mark can sometimes sound like the condensed version of other Gospels, even though it was written first. Look for examples of “immediately” or similar wording in your Bible version. He points us to urgent action. Mark is all about God’s will being done right now!

Loving Lord, help us when we seem slow in our discipleship. Spur us to use Your gifts in the world that all Your children may know Your love. Amen.

Our scripture today is Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV).

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

We have talked about the Great Commission before. It is an essential part of our faith, Christ’s invitation to be His disciples and to go in His name so everyone hears the Good News. Jesus gives us another promise as well – “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Our call is not to go alone but with Him as our constant companion and support.

Heavenly Father, You have blessed us with the gift of salvation through Christ our Lord. Send us to share Your love with the world that all Your children might repent and be saved. Amen.

Our scripture today is Matthew 27:57-58 (ESV).

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him.

While Jesus rightly takes the rich to task in many of His lessons, we also see that there are examples of wealthy people who follow Jesus. Matthew, a former tax collector who was certainly well off, gave it up to become a disciple. In this passage we hear Joseph of Arimathea placing the body of Jesus in his own tomb. Being rich is not an automatic disqualifier for salvation. People who have wealth will be asked how they obtained it and how they used it to advance the kingdom, the same way we will all be asked about our stewardship of God’s gifts.

Gracious God, You have given us everything and asked us to be part of what You are bringing about in Creation. Help us to use Your gifts wisely for the benefit of all Your children. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Matthew 27:11 (ESV).

Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.”

In Isaiah 53:7 we read “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth”. Jesus did not defend Himself against the false charge of claiming to be the King of the Jews. The Roman governor did not care about Jewish religious matters, but the idea of a King in Jerusalem would not enhance Pilate’s position in Rome. The religious leaders brought Jesus to Pilate with a charge he could not ignore politically and he chose to ignore the innocence of Jesus, just as the prophecy from Isaiah told us.

Loving Lord, forgive us when we choose the worldly way – the easy way – instead of what You have called us to do. Bless us to be strong in our faith and go to share it with the world. Amen.

Our scripture today is Matthew 26:75 (ESV).

And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

If we are honest with ourselves, we deny Jesus in every thought and action that doesn’t reflect His love. Just as with Peter, He knows before it happens. He knows because He came as a human to be part of us, that we could be part of Him. He felt all the physical and emotional pain we inflict on ourselves and others. However, when we react with remorse and repentance at these as Peter did, Jesus can forgive and restore us. You are never unworthy of being washed clean by His blood.

Gracious God, You were willing to come to be one of us in order that we might be saved. Forgive us when we act rashly and place us back on the firm ground You intend for us. May we share Your love with everyone. Amen.